Returning officer disowns initial APGA primary election result in Taraba

The Returning Officer for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) House of Representatives primary election for Wukari-Ibi Federal Constituency, Anthony Ayuba Saleh, has distanced himself from an earlier result announced following the party’s primary election held on May 28, 2026.

In an official clarification issued on Friday, Saleh stated that the result announced on the night of the election was made under duress and did not reflect the actual outcome of the exercise.

“The result announced at night was made under duress and in consideration of my personal safety and the safety of electoral officials at the venue. That announcement does not reflect the true outcome of the primary election,” he said.

Saleh maintained that the authentic result remains the one captured in the official video of the final collation and declaration, which he personally announced in the presence of party agents, delegates, security agencies and observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He called on the public, the APGA leadership and other stakeholders to disregard the earlier declaration and rely solely on the video announcement as the legitimate outcome of the primary election.

“The video represents the true will of the delegates of Wukari-Ibi Federal Constituency,” he stated.

The Returning Officer said he was taking full responsibility for the clarification in order to preserve the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the democratic values of the party.

He also commended delegates, aspirants and party supporters for maintaining peace throughout the exercise, stressing that APGA remains committed to due process and internal democracy.

The clarification comes amid reports of conflicting results emerging from the primary election, raising concerns among party members and stakeholders over the outcome of the contest.